Grete

Grete is a diminutive of the name Margarete as well as the Norwegian variant Margrete.

What does the name Grete mean?

The name Grete is a short form of Margarete, as well as the Norwegian form Margrete. Its meaning is 'the pearl' and is derived from the Ancient Greek term margarites and the Latin word margarita for 'pearl.' Particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Grete was very popular as a girl's name before it fell out of fashion. However, today classic short forms like Grete or Greta are seeing a revival. Similar variants include Greet, Greeta, Greetje, Gret, Gretchen, Gretel, Greth, Grethe, Gretje, Griet, Grietje, Grit, and Gritt. Notable bearers of the name include Swedish actress Grete Havnesköld, German writer Grete Weil, and German actress Grete Wurm.

Where does the name Grete come from?

The name Grete, as a short form of Margarete, originates from the Latin word margarita (pearl), which in turn is derived from the Ancient Greek margarites, which has its roots in Persian. In Ancient Greek, margarites is composed of the characters for pearl, while margarita also means pearl in Latin. The name is found in several languages, including Old German, Danish, German, Norwegian, and Scandinavian.

How do you pronounce Grete?

The pronunciation of Grete is clear and structured in two syllables. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as 'Gre-te' [ˈɡʁeːtə], with the emphasis on the first syllable with the long 'e.' The gentle fading on '-te' provides a harmonious conclusion. Grete conveys a simple, traditional impression – friendly, calm, and present.

When is the name day of Grete?

The most important name days for Grete are July 20, dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, and October 29, dedicated to Blessed Margaret of Hohenfels.

Popularity

In the late 19th century, the first name Grete regularly ranked among the top 20 to top 40 in Germany. Between 1901 and 1909, it reached the top 15 multiple times, including 1907 (rank 12), 1908 (rank 13), and 1909 (rank 14). These years mark the transition into an expanded top group. Between 1910 and 1916, the name consistently remained in the top 40 to 60, peaking in 1916 (rank 48).

Nicknames & pet names

Gede / Gregi / Gretchen

Similar first names

Famous people

• Anne Grete Hollup (Norwegian writer)
• Grete Alt-Lantschner (Austrian skier)
• Grete Berger (Austrian actress)
• Grete Csaki-Copony (German painter)
• Grete Eliassen (American freestyle skier)
• Grete Frische (Danish actress)
• Grete Gaim (Estonian biathlete)
• Grete Havnesköld (actress)
• Grete Heublein (German athlete)
• Grete Leistikow (photographer from Germany)
• Grete Lundt (Austrian actress)
• Grete Meisel-Hess (Austrian writer)
• Grete Mostny (Austrian archaeologist)
• Grete Olsen (fencer from Denmark)
• Grete Scheuer (American writer)
• Grete Schröder (writer from Austria)
• Grete Sultan (pianist from Germany)
• Grete Trakl (pianist from Austria)
• Grete von Zieritz (Austrian composer)
• Grete-Lilijane Küppas (footballer from Estonia)